Drew Clayton, Class of 2010

My time at MVPS was instrumental in my personal development because I was taught how to learn and how to problem solve. It was something I did not realize at the time because as a high school student all I saw was another homework or another test, but looking back it has become clear there was more to the story. Teachers like Mrs. Parker pushed me above and beyond to train my brain to think through problems for myself, and not just follow the easy steps to the answer. These skills were critical in helping me earn my Civil Engineering degree at Georgia Tech, and are now used daily working full-time for Winter Construction.

When high school students looking at Georgia Tech, or first-year employees at Winter Construction ask me what it takes to be successful, my answer is always the same; it is not just how smart you are, but how hard you are willing to work. I saw plenty of students at Georgia Tech with a perfect SAT score, who failed out because they did not put the time and effort into their studies. Hard work goes hand-in-hand with success, whether that is in the classroom or out on the field. There is no substitute for hard work.

Winter Construction Projects

I am currently on the $42 million Zoo Atlanta Expansion project, which includes renovating the old Cyclorama building, building a new Elephant Barn, and expanding the Savanna exhibit.

SpringHill Suites | Orange Beach, Alabama

$15.2 million, New construction of a 94,000 square-foot hotel with 132 guest suites, meeting and restaurant space, fitness center, market, and resort-style swimming pool.

Royal Sonesta Ballroom & Kitchen Renovation | New Orleans, Louisiana
$3.3 million, 12,500 square-foot renovation of ballroom, meeting rooms, and banquet and pastry kitchens at the Royal Sonesta Hotel. Demolition and renovation of the ballroom, which included new flooring, wall covering, paint, lighting, and electrical outlets. Renovation of Evangeline and two smaller meeting rooms, including new carpet, wall covering, and painting. Kitchen renovation included updates to banquet kitchen, pastry kitchen, and pre-function room.

Solis Hotel, 2 Porsche Drive | Atlanta, Georgia
$39.5 million, The design-build of a new luxury brand hotel adjacent to Porsche North America headquarters. An eight-story hotel with 214 guest rooms and signature suites, restaurants and bars, and 6,500 square feet of event space that includes a 3,600 square-foot ballroom and a rooftop bar.

Mount Vernon Legacy 

  • Homecoming King
  • Valedictorian
  • School President, senior year
  • Class President, freshman/sophomore/junior years
  • Lettered in four sports: Baseball (4 times), Basketball (2), Football (2), and Soccer (2)
  • Male athlete of the year 2009-2010
  • 2010 GISA Morris C. Johnson Academic-Athlete Award Winner